Without a serial number, someone please school me on the characteristics that would prove this was a 1956 body vs. any other vintage year? The routings? Nuances to the shape/color? Thanks!

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See the date in the bridge cavity? That's all you have to go on except the various aspects of its shape, routes, and the age of the finish using a black light, I believe. Gruhn would be able to verify it to within a 12 month period.

All guitars are worth less than the sum of their parts (I first noticed this with high end bicycles). There are couple of online ebay stores that specialize in this (all gibson - all fender...). I always think that is sad as well... but then, the demand must be there. Paying 70% of retail for the authentic part you need is apparently of value to the market.

If you notice... only novice sellers - or the very high end, include the OHSC with guitars. They can be sold separately later for more than value they will add with the guitar. And the difference will often justify throwing in a gig bag.

I agree with DavidH. Who cares? The owner can do what he wants. Much more important things in this world that make me sad. I can't even turn the radio/tv on without something majorly bumming me out and it affecting my work or play.

I agree with DavidH. Who cares? The owner can do what he wants. Much more important things in this world that make me sad. I can't even turn the radio/tv on without something majorly bumming me out and it affecting my work or play.

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Obviously there are sadder things in the world. But the original poster is looking at it relatively when it comes to guitars. Obviously, it's not like he's equating this with innocent children dying of hunger.

Obviously there are sadder things in the world. But the original poster is looking at it relatively when it comes to guitars. Obviously, it's not like he's equating this with innocent children dying of hunger.

See the date in the bridge cavity? That's all you have to go on except the various aspects of its shape, routes, and the age of the finish using a black light, I believe. Gruhn would be able to verify it to within a 12 month period.

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Thanks, Hassan, I hadn't noticed the date in the cavity. I'd sure want the other evidence to add up too, though, before putting any money to this.

Whats to say the pickups were not rusted beyond repair, same with the tremelo. Maybe the neck took the brunt of a bad fall.

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Look at the all the other stuff the seller has up there. He clearly parts out vintage Strats on a regular basis. If this were a one-time thing because of the possibilities you mentioned, sure, but it isn't. He's not the only one.

You can bet the guitar was fine...However Eddie needed the neck for a better condition neck that was going overseas or something...Eddie is a member here I am almost positive but seems to be a good guy and makes a living on strat parts...You know how many guys have a 50's neck on 70/80's bodies and for a mere 15 large they can have a much more valuable guitar....He does his thing and is reputable doing it from what I know of him...

Please don't take what I wrote as any comment on the seller. I don't know the seller. I am sure that people who know vintage guitars probably have a number of ways to identify and age this body. I just know that I don't, and I would just be going off of the written date.